Carson MS-160 Biological Microscope

Standard Included Accessories

• 10x and 16x Wide Field Eyepiece
• Dust Cover
• Blue Color Filter
• Spare LED and Fuse

Microscope Diagram Description

The Carson MS-160 Biological Microscope features a binocular head for dual-eye viewing, connected to a 360° rotatable draw tube. Below the head is the objective lens turret, which holds multiple objective lenses (e.g., 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x OIL). A slide clip secures the specimen on the mechanical stage, which allows for precise movement via stage knobs. The condenser, located beneath the stage, includes a diaphragm with iris control and a filter holder. The microscope is operated by a power switch and condenser height knob, with coarse and fine focus knobs for adjusting image clarity. A light intensity knob controls the brightness of the LED light source at the base.

Quick-Start Guide

1. Place the microscope on a secure surface.
2. Connect the power cord to the microscope's power port and then to a standard 110V outlet.
3. Gently insert the narrow end of each 10x eyepiece into the draw tubes of the binocular head.
4. Turn on the light source using the power switch.
5. Rotate the objective lens turret so the 4x objective lens (marked with a red line) is perpendicular to the stage.
6. Position your desired slide on the mechanical stage and secure it with the slide clip. Use the stage knobs to move the slide front-back and left-right until the area of interest is centered.

Focusing

1. Look into the eyepieces; you should see a white field image.
2. Adjust the distance between the eyepieces by moving the binocular head parts apart or together until the two images merge into one.
3. Gently turn the focus knob until the specimen image is sharp and clear.
4. Adjust the light intensity of the light source for the best image.

CAUTION: Exercise care during focusing to prevent the objective lens from colliding with the specimen, which could damage both.

5. Adjust the light intensity and/or the diaphragm's iris to achieve maximum contrast.

CAUTION: The condenser should ideally be positioned 1-3 millimeters below the specimen slide. Adjust its height using the condenser height knob. Be careful to avoid collision between the condenser and the specimen, as this may cause damage.

Magnification

To change magnification, rotate the objective lens turret until the desired objective lens is perpendicular to the stage. Refocus as needed.

The 100x objective is intended for oil immersion microscopy. Apply immersion oil (not included) to the specimen and the objective lens before use.

You can also use the included 16x eyepieces to further increase the overall magnification.

Color Filters

Color filters can enhance contrast, particularly with stained slides. To use the blue color filter, pull out the filter holder located under the diaphragm, place the filter flat inside the top of the holder, and then fully rotate the holder back into position.

Care & Maintenance

• Avoid exposing the microscope to dirt, debris, dust, or moisture. Use the dust cover when the microscope is not in use.
• Cleaning: For the microscope body, unplug the power and use a soft, slightly damp cloth. For optical surfaces (eyepieces, objective lenses), use a slightly damp microfiber cloth or Carson's Lens Cleaners to gently remove dust or debris.
• For long periods of non-use, store the microscope in its original container.
• When moving the microscope, support it by the metal neck or base, not by the eyepieces, draw tube, or objective turret.
• If focusing or stage movement becomes stiff, lubricate the mechanical sliding parts with one or two drops of included oil.
• Ensure the power is off and the microscope is unplugged before performing maintenance.
• To replace the fuse, open the bottom cover by removing the six rubber screws and door screws. Remove the old fuse, replace it with the included spare, and reattach the cover and screws.

Carson MS-160 Microscope Specifications

• Binocular Inclined Tube 30°, Rotatable 360°
• Total Magnification: 40X-1600X
• Coaxial Coarse and Fine Adjustment Knobs
• Eyepieces: WF10X, WF16X
• Objectives: 4X, 10X, 40X, 100X OIL
• Working Stage: Double Layer Mechanical Stage, 130 mm x 140 mm
• NA1.25 Abbe Condenser, with Iris Diaphragm and Filter Holder
• Illumination: 0.5W LED Electrical Illumination